The Commission will launch, on 15 March 2005, a platform bringing together industry associations, consumer groups, health NGOs and political leaders to combat the rise in obesity, especially among children and young people.
The 'European platform for action on diet, physical activity and health' will promote activities related to:
- informing and educating consumers;
- marketing food products and portion size;
- physical activity.
Almost one third of Europeans are either overweight or obese and the number of overweight schoolchildren is rising by 400,000 a year - due to lack of exercise and wrong eating habits.
In the United States, obesity has risen at an epidemic rate during the past 20 years. Although still far less of a problem in Europe, statistics show that the gulf between the US and Europe is narrowing. Obesity is estimated to account for 2-8 per cent of healthcare costs in Europe.
